Trans Models to Know

Using roadblocks as stepping stones, this invincible army is taking on the world of fashion—and gender stereotypes—one breakthrough at a time.

- Zunaili Malik, Humra Afroz Khan

NITIN BARANWAL

“When I was a child, I used to secretly watch Fashion TV, and then drape my mother’s saris, put on music, and strut around the house, imitating the models. I was born and raised in Dharavi, Mumbai—the country’s biggest slum—where there isn’t a lot of sensitivity towards alternate sexualities. So I was hectored, abused, even molested. Everyone wanted to shape me in their own way, and I’d get no say in it. Thankfully, my mother stood by me through it all. She encouraged me to explore myself, and accepted me as I was. And that made me confident, as well as rebellious...to be me.

I believe fashion has no gender. As a model, I want to fit in both male and female binary categories, and create more awareness about non-binary identities. Fortunately, I have not experienced any kind of hate or discrimination so far. There are some challenges, though, like finding the right fit, especially for clothes made for female bodies; or the right innerwear (I am still searching!). And I often get misgendered, or mistaken for a cis woman...but I have learnt to live with it, and even have a little fun with it.”

MONA VERONICA CAMPBELL